Rendering of gateway to Filipinotown in Los Angeles. Renderings by Eliseo Silva
Tourists will soon be able to find Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown when a new gateway arch arises — just follow the stars.
The “stars” are giant parols atop a new structure that will be build across Beverly Blvd., the eastern entry into the area popularly known as “HiFi” that was the historic and cultural center of the Filipino American community during the mid-1900s. The renderings of the project were unveiled June 12, Philippine Independence Day.
“Once completed later this year, Historic Filipinotown will have a permanent reminder that showcases the beauty and storied history of the Filipino community,” said L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell.
The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway Project, a long-awaited milestone in the Filipino American community, will serve as a welcome to this officially designated neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles region is home to over half a million Filipinos, the largest concentration of Filipinos outside the Philippines.
“The key to building and enhancing the beautiful neighborhood we all know as Historic Filipinotown has always been community,” said Commissioner Jessica Caloza. “As a first-generation Filipina American, I am proud to see us celebrate and recognize our diversity and continue building it into the fabric of our City.”
“I’m proud to have partnered with Commissioner Jessica Caloza, Bureau of Engineering, one of the great Filipino artists of our time, Eliseo Art Silva, and community members who have contributed their efforts, creativity, and ideas toward this soon-to-be point of pride for the neighborhood,” added O’Farrell.
The name of the structure — an artwork, really — is fitting: ‘Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star’ and designed by artist Eliseo Silva. The design elements include: the Parol, the Gumamela flower, and the Sarimanok, all symbols with deep roots in the Filipino culture.
Instagrammers will be happy to note that the gateway will be near the giant Filipino American mural at Unidad Park, also painted by Silva.
“This magnificent new gateway will welcome everyone to Historic Filipinotown,” said Silva. “It’s a fitting tribute to the many courageous men and women on the frontlines – brave warriors such as our numerous Filipino healthcare workers. The Gateway not only signals that Filipino Americans have finally arrived, — it also symbolizes the valor of the frontliners in our city.”
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